Synod Council of the Metropolitan New York Synod April 23, 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Page 1

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1 April 23, 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Page 1 SYNOD COUNCIL MEMBERS Mr. Daquan Baker (Youth) 2016 AUXILIARY MEMBERS The Rev. William Baum 2016 The Rev. Rosalind Brathwaite 2016 *Ms. Maria del Toro, Vice President 2018 The Rev. Khader El-Yateem 2016 *Ms. Hazel Goldstein 2016 The Rev. Brenda Irving 2016 STAFF Ms. Barbara Johnson 2016 Ms. Susan Brandt The Rev. Amy Kienzle 2018 The Rev. Perucy Butiku Mr. John Litke 2018 The Rev. Kathleen Koran Dr. Carlos Lopez 2018 The Rev. Jonathan Linman Dcn. John Malone 2018 Dcn. Gayle Ruege Ms. Karen Maulen 2018 Ms. Kathleen Schmidt The Rev. Craig Miller 2018 Ms. Rebekah Thornhill Mr. Walter Nash 2018 The Rev. Lamont Wells Dcn. Lulu Paolini 2018 The Rev. Daniel Peter 2018 Dcn. John Prosen 2016 Mr. Brian Reardon 2016 *The Rev. Robert A. Rimbo, Bishop 2020 GUESTS Ms. Terra Rowe 2016 The Rev. Edward Barnett, Conf. of Deans *The Rev. Harry Schenkel 2018 *The Rev. Robert Schoepflin, Sect *Mr. Frank Suttell, Treasurer 2016 Ms. Wendy Bean Tannenbaum 2018 Ms. Abby Triebel (Young Adult) 2016 *Mr. Christopher Vergara 2016 *Ms. Karen Woolley 2016 Bold = present Italics = excused absence *Member of Executive Committee Opening Devotions: Pr. Amy Kienzle Observers: Ms. Terra Rowe (AM) / Ms. Wendy Tannenbaum (PM) Call to Order: by VP del Toro at 9:43 1. Adoption of the Agenda: adopted as presented 2. Adoption of the Minutes: 15 March 2016 minutes adopted as presented. 3. Bishop s Report A. Calls

2 April 23, 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Page 2 a. Ms. Christine Connell, ELCA Diaconal Minister: CEO Lutheran Social Services, National Capital Area ACTION SC16:04/01 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan New York Synod Council extend a call to Christine Connell, ELCA Diaconal Minister to serve as CEO Lutheran Social Services, National Capital Area effective 1 February b. The Rev. Kimberli Lile: Chaplain, Stony Brook University Hospital, New York ACTION SC16:04/02 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan New York Synod Council extend a call to the Rev. Kimberli Lile as Chaplain at Stony Brook University Hospital effective 7 April c. Dcn. Frank Ali: OLFC effective 27 June 2016 d. The Rev. Robert Rainis: OLFC effective 17 February 2016 ACTION SC16:04/03 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan New York Synod Council approve On Leave from Call Status to the Rev. Robert Rainis effective 17 February 2016 and Dcn. Frank Ali effective 27 June B. Appointments a. The Rev. Chryll Crews: Reference & Counsel b. Ms. Tara Schiermeyer: Reference & Counsel c. Mr. Barry Gogel: Reference & Counsel ACTION SC16:04/04 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan New York Synod Council approve appointments of the Rev. Joel Brandt; the Rev. Jeanne Warfield, the Rev. Chryll Crews, Mr. Barry Gogel, Ms. Tara Schiermeyer to the 2016 Committee on Reference & Counsel. d. The Rev. Harriet Wieber: Diaconate Council e. The Rev. Fred McElderry: Nominations & Elections Committee f. Dcn. Karen Nurmi: Nominations & Elections Committee 4. Strategic Plan Implementation A. Claimed Committee a th Anniversary Commemoration Pr. Linman reported that committee has met and set dates and planned events for the commemoration. B. Gathered Committee

3 April 23, 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Page 3 a. Website Grants ACTION SC16:04/05 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan New York Synod Council approve the Website Grants to St. Stephen s, Hicksville ($421.84) and Christ, Newburgh ($484.00) as proposed by the Website Grant Review Team and recommended by the Executive Committee. b. SW Queens Project: All Saints / Todos los Santos Levian & Company (Owners Representative Contract) Ms. Schmidt spoke about the importance of employing a company to assist in choosing new site, working with architect, contractor, and supervising the process. Levian has an excellent reputation in working with non-profits. Cost of using Levian will be paid from sale of properties. Contract can be terminated on 10 days notice by Synod. Total cost if Levian sees project through to the end will be in neighborhood of $350,000. ACTION SC16:04/06 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan New York Synod retain the services of Levian & Company for contracted work with the Southwest Queens development. c. Stewardship & Mission Support Table: Synod Stewardship Plan implementation recommendations Pr. Craig Miller, Chair of the Stewardship & Mission Support Table reported. C. Sent Committee a. Anti-Racism Initiative: Ms. Barbara Johnson reported Quadrant Training Workshops (June 11, September 10, November 12) D. Financial Management Committee (FMC) a. Creation of a Supporting Organization Mr. Suttell presented a resolution for Synod Assembly which would authorize the Synod Council to create one or more tax exempt Supporting Organizations. Resolution for Creation of Supporting Organization WHEREAS, the Constitution of the Synod provides ( S6.03) that each synod, in partnership with the churchwide organization, shall bear primary responsibility for the oversight of the life and mission of this church in the territory of this synod. In fulfillment of this role, this Synod shall plan for, facilitate, and nurture the mission of this Church through congregations, strengthen interdependent relationships among congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization, and foster relationships with agencies and institutions affiliated with or related to this Church as well as ecumenical partners; and WHEREAS, the Constitution of the Synod provides ( S ) that in planning for, facilitating, and nurturing the mission of this Church through congregations, the responsibilities of the Synod include development of new ministries, redevelopment of existing ministries, and support and assistance in the conclusion, if necessary, of a particular ministry and providing resources for congregational life; and

4 April 23, 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Page 4 WHEREAS, the Constitution of the Synod provides ( S ) that in strengthening interdependent relationships among congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization, and in fostering relationships with agencies and institutions affiliated with or related to this Church as well as with ecumenical partners, the responsibilities of the Synod include promoting interdependent relationships among congregations, synods, and the churchwide organization, and entering into partnership with other synods in the region; developing relationships with social ministry organizations and ministries, participating in their mission planning, and providing partnership funding; and maintaining relationships with and providing partnership funding on behalf of seminaries and continuing education centers; and WHEREAS, the Constitution of the Synod provides (S ) that in the process of planning for the mission of this Church in the synod, initiating and developing policy through the region, and implementing programs, this Synod will endeavor to foster supporting relationships with individuals and groups related to ministries in specialized settings; and WHEREAS, the Constitution of the Synod provides ( S8) that as this Synod's pastor, the bishop shall exercise leadership in the mission of this Church and in so doing coordinate the use of the resources available to this Synod as it seeks to promote the health of this Church's life and witness in the areas served by this synod; advise and counsel this Synod's related institutions and organizations; and oversee and administer the work of this Synod and in so doing serve as the president of the Synod corporation and be the chief executive and administrative officer of this Synod; and WHEREAS, a tax exempt Supporting Organization, as defined in the United States Internal Revenue Code, is a legal entity formed to support one or more public charities, which are called Publicly Supported Organizations ; and WHEREAS, the Synod may be a Publicly Supported Organization which may organize a Supporting Organization to be operated in furtherance of the Synod s role as good steward and financial manager of its assets, while utilizing those assets in support of its mission and ministry throughout the territory of the Synod, NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED that the Synod Council of the Metropolitan New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is hereby authorized to create or cause to be created one or more tax exempt Supporting Organizations, as defined and regulated by the United States Internal Revenue Code and other applicable federal and New York State laws and regulations, in furtherance of the Synod s role as good steward and financial manager and to assist the Synod in utilizing its assets in furtherance of the purposes for which the Synod was formed and the mission and ministry of the Synod, including but not limited to 1. Participating in God's mission by proclaiming God's saving Gospel of justification by grace for Christ's sake through faith alone, according to the apostolic witness in the Holy Scripture, and preserving and transmitting the Gospel faithfully to future generations. 2. Carrying out Christ's Great Commission by reaching out to all people to bring them to faith in Christ and by doing all ministry with a global awareness consistent with the understanding of God as Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier of all. 3. Serving in response to God's love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, and standing with the poor and powerless, and committing itself to their needs. 4. Worshipping God in proclamation of the Word and administration of the sacraments and through lives of prayer, praise, thanksgiving, witness, and service. 5. Nurturing its members in the Word of God so as to grow in faith and hope and love, to see daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of their Christian calling, and to use the gifts of the Spirit for their life together and for their calling in the world. 6. Manifesting the unity given to the people of God by living together in the love of Christ and by joining with other Christians in prayer and action to express and preserve the unity which the Spirit gives.

5 April 23, 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Page 5 7. Working in cooperation with and in support of the mission and ministry of the Metropolitan New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, as interpreted by the Bishop and Synod Council. ACTION SC16:04/07 RESOLVED, that the Synod Council recommend adoption by the Synod Assembly of the resolution on creating Supporting Organizations. b. 10 Year Plan Mr. Suttell presented resolution to adopt Ten-Year Financial Plan for Resolution to adopt Ten-year Financial Plan for WHEREAS, the Metropolitan New York Synod Council, by a continuing resolution dated June 23, 2015, resolved to adopt a Ten-year Financial Plan annually. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Ten-year Financial Plan for the period is approved as follows: 1. OBJECTIVES a. The Synod shall achieve a sustainable financial condition by i. A sustainable financial condition is defined as follows: planned expenditures will not exceed planned revenues, including withdrawals from the Synod s investment funds not to exceed 4% of the investments average value, excluding any permanently restricted funds, at the end of each of the previous five fiscal years. ii. If, in any year subsequent to 2024, proposed withdrawals from the Synod s investment fund will be greater than 4% of the investments average value, excluding any permanently restricted funds, at the end of each of the previous f ive fiscal years, the Synod Council shall, prior to approving the withdrawals, revise the Ten-year Plan to reflect a future sustainable financial condition. In such event, a description of the purposes for which the excessive withdrawals will be used shall be included in the financial reports to the Synod Assembly. iii. Synod revenues that normally would be placed into the Synod s investment fund but are above revenues anticipated in the then current Ten-year Plan may be allocated by the Synod Council and reflected in a revised Ten-year Plan. b. All net proceeds from the sale of Synod-owned property, and any subsequent investment income from such proceeds, shall be used solely for the mission of the Synod. c. Mission support to the ELCA will be increased to 55% of congregational giving to the Synod. i. The Ten-year Plan shall reflect increasing ELCA support by 0.5% annual increments beginning in 2016 d. The Ten-year Plan shall reflect a target level of Synod funds for grants to congregations through the ELCA Partnership Grant program of 25% of total baseline mission spending. i. Total baseline mission spending includes all spending within the operating budget except ELCA mission support, Strategic Plan Initiatives, Synod Governance and Finance & Administration.

6 April 23, 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Page 6 2. PRINCIPAL REVENUE ASSUMPTIONS a. Anticipated net proceeds from sales of Synod-owned properties will be $22.4 million between 2016 and No sales are expected between 2021 and b. Congregational giving to the Synod for Mission Support will increase 2% per year beginning in 2017 c. Undesignated revenue will increase to $300,000 per year by 2020 d. Baseline withdrawals from investments during at a level of 4% of the investments average value, excluding any permanently restricted funds, at the end of each of the previous five fiscal years will total $11.7 million e. Withdrawals from investments beyond the baseline withdrawals during will total $8.8 million 3. PRINCIPAL EXPENSE ASSUMPTIONS a. Synod Governance and Finance & Administration expenses (Operations) will remain constant (excluding inflation) during b. Wider Church grants program will end when the fund is depleted c. Strategic Plan Implementation programs will cost $5.7 million during d. Base mission programs will be reduced by $164,000 beginning in PRINCIPAL BALANCE SHEET ASSUMPTIONS a. Proposed financial actions affecting the Balance Sheet by more than $500,000 will be reviewed by the Financial Management Committee for its analysis and recommendations b. A plan associated with such Balance Sheet changes will be prepared describing the purposes of the action c. The plan will include the effects on the projected revenues and expenses of the Synod ACTION SC16:04/08 RESOLVED, that the Ten-Year Plan for be adopted as presented. 5. Treasurer s Report A. Mission Support Report EXHIBIT A B. Revised 2016 budget / proposed 2017 budget EXHIBIT B ACTION SC16:04/09 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan New York Synod Council recommend to the Synod Assembly on May 21, 2016, that it adopt the revised budget for 2016 and the proposed budget for C. Report of the Audit Committee / acceptance of the audited financials

7 April 23, 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Page 7 ACTION SC16:04/10 RESOLVED, that the Synod Council adopt the Financial Statements and Report for the year ending January 31, 2016 prepared by Tait, Weller & Baker, certified public accountants, noting that in the opinion of the auditors the financial statements taken as a whole present fairly the financial position of the Metropolitan New York Synod in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. a. Tait, Weller & Baker ACTION SC16:04/11 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan New York Synod retain the services of Tait, Weller & Baker, Certified Public Accountants, for the year ending January 31, New Business A. Zion, Staten Island: proposed sale of property ACTION SC16:04/12 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan New York Synod Council take no exception to the sale of the open parcel of property located 505 Willowbrook Rd, Staten Island, NY. B. Amendment to the Constitution Bylaws: Synod Council nominations according to conferences ACTION SC16:04/13 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan New York Synod Council present to the Synod Assembly that S and S of the bylaws to the synod constitution be amended to read: S : The conferences shall serve to nominate seats on the Synod Council. S : Two election cycles will elect one half of the Synod Council every other election year. Each of the conferences will be assigned to a cycle. C. St. Lydia s, Brooklyn: recognition as a congregation Pr. Wells announced that St. Lydia s is ready to be recognized by the synod assembly as a congregation of the ELCA. ACTION SC16:04/14 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitian New York Synod Council recommend to the Synod Assembly that St. Lydia s be joyfully recognized as a congregation of the ELCA and accepted onto the roster of congregations of the Metropolitan New York Synod.

8 April 23, 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Page 8 D. Covenant: North West Diocese of Tanzania (renewal) Bp. Rimbo reported that our synod began a relationship with the North West Diocese of Tanzania in Bishop Abednego Keshomshahara, Mrs. Keshomshahara and General Secretary Elmereck Kigeme of the North West Diocese will join us at our Synod Assembly. A resolution for the formal renewal of our companionship covenant will be brought to the Synod Assembly by Reference and Counsel. 7. Old Business A. Congregations / properties under synod administration EXHIBIT C a. St. Paul s, Coney Island b. St. Peter s, 140 th Street, Bronx c. Kingsbridge d. Eltingville, Staten Island e. Former Reformation, Brooklyn property ACTION SC16:04/15 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan New York Synod Council authorize an increase in the principal from $250,000 to $500,000 and an increase in the term from 18 months to 24 months on the 6% mortgage to Citadel of Praise and Worship, Inc. for the property located at Barbey St., Brooklyn, New York. : 21 in favor; 0 opposed; 0 abstentions. f. Former Zion, Fourth Ave Brooklyn property Ms. Schmidt reported on ongoing discussions with NYU Langone relating to this property. g. Former Bethlehem, Bronx property Ms. Schmidt reported that there currently are two offers for the property. ACTION SC16:04/16 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan New York Synod Council approve the contract for the sale of the property located at 327 Bolton Avenue, Bronx, NY to either West Indigo Solutions for $593,000 OR to the Rev. Margie Cole-Kendley for $555,000. : 21 in favor; 0 opposed; 0 abstentions. B. ELCA / MNYS Campaigns Pr. Wells reported. C Synod Assembly Update a Synod Assembly minutes:

9 April 23, 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Page 9 ACTION SC16:04/17 RESOLVED, that the minutes of 2015 Synod be adopted. Adopted. (Craig Miller abstained) b Synod Assembly draft agenda Ms. Thornhill reviewed the proposed agenda. ACTION SC16:04/18 RESOLVED, that the proposed agenda for the 2016 Synod be approved for recommendation to the Assembly. Adopted. c. Registration / display tables / workshops Ms. Thornhill reported. d. Special Assembly: 15 October 2016 The Executive Committee recommends that a special meeting be called for October 15, 2016 for the sole purpose of hearing congregational appeals. ACTION SC16:04/19 RESOLVED, that the Metropolitan New York Synod Council authorize Bishop Rimbo to call a special meeting of the Synod Assembly for October 15, 2016 for the purpose of engaging the congregational appeal process. D. SA Actions (Pending) SA2015:05.08 / MNYS Disaster Response Task Force E. Pending MNYS Committee structure Report Process for election of a Bishop In response to a question by Mr. Litke, Pr. Linman indicated that a report and audited financials from Leif Erikson Day School will be forthcoming. Ms. Rowe announced a special program on May 7, 2016 at Christ, Newburgh, dealing with Racism, Climate Change and the food system. Funding for this program was provided through a Strategic Plan Leadership Grant. VP del Toro recognized and thanked those members who were present and attending their final synod council meeting: Barbara Johnson, William Baum, Brian Reardon, and Khadir El-Yateem. 8. Observer s Evaluation Next Synod Council Meeting: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 (LSSNY Board Room) Closing prayer was led by Pr. Amy Kienzle.

10 April 23, 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Page 10 Meeting adjourned at 2:09 pm by VP Del Toro. Respectfully submitted, Rev. Robert P. Schoepflin, Secretary